A Great Day for Youth Teams from Local Communities in Calthorpe Park as the Narthex Football Tournament (Sponsored by Kingsbridge)

The under 14s Football Tournament in Calthorpe Park buzzed with an informal and friendly atmosphere, boasting approximately 40 participants and spectators.

Given the young boys' relentless energy it was complicated to get much feedback about their feelings towards the lack of sports facilities in South Birmingham. However, it was obvious from their elation that they were most pleased with the tournament, hosted by Narthex & the Yemeni Community Association and sponsored by Kingsbridge.

This tournament allowed the opportunity for football to create cohesion between groups of differing cultures and religions; the playing fields become a place of interaction in which everyone can engage. Four matches took place on a small pitch and then the final. The winning team all took home medals distributed by Roger Lynch; an example of how sport can encourage confidence and a sense of achievement in young people.

On relating sports engagement to better employability prospects and motivation; a couple of the older boys were very sociable. A few of them, including Ubaidah, seventeen, spoke eloquently about his studies. Adam, aged 15, has been immersed in community sports for several years and after playing for local teams in his youth is now helping to coach 9-13 years olds. Already signs of education, employment and skill sharing are cropping up as viable positives in relation to those who part take in community sports.

From this event it is plain to see that all the ingredients are in place for the Kingsbridge Project to succeed; all that's left is for Birmingham City Council to resume the Community Asset Transfer for the plot at Holders Lane.

Kingsbridge Project is a community based consortium, aiming to develop a vibrant and exciting new venue in South Birmingham. Our aim is to enhance the provision of sport and leisure activities for the benefit of a wide variety of local user groups, in an area where facilities are currently sorely lacking.

Related / News

Councillor John Cotton was joined by representatives of various committees for an open dialogue entitled ‘Localism & Devolution’ on Tuesday 20th March hosted by Chamberlain Forum in Highgate. The aim was to discuss the potential of revitalising Localism in Birmingham through neighbourhood planning, community budgets, the Localism Act, co-production, open public services and public spending cuts.